Ferny Hollow set to miss Punchestown and wait for next season
Former Champion Bumper hero’s form was significantly boosted at Cheltenham.
Ferny Hollow, who in his short career to date has already beaten the subsequent winners of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, is unlikely to make it back in time for the Punchestown Festival. Trained by Willie Mullins and owned by Cheveley Park Stud, Ferny Hollow accounted for Appreciate It in last season’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper and Bob Olinger in a maiden hurdle at Gowran in November. He was ruled out of Cheltenham before Christmas, and while connections had mooted the possibility of him making Punchestown it now appears he will not be seen until next season. Sir Gerhard made it three successive wins for Cheveley Park in the Champion Bumper, with Envoi Allen winning in 2019, and the Cheveley Park’s managing director Chris Richardson said: “The pressure is on for next year now!“We must thank Weatherbys and everyone at Cheltenham for putting on such a fantastic meeting, even though owners couldn’t be there. “I think Punchestown will be in the mix (for Sir Gerhard), he’d had a nice break before Cheltenham since winning at Navan. “It’s a shame Ferny Hollow had his setback, but he’s recovering well. Whether he runs at Punchestown, we’re not quite sure yet, it may be that we’ll put him away and make sure he’s 200 per cent for next season. “On the basis of his form he’s a very smart horse.” Mullins said: “The form is looking rock solid now, and Ferny Hollow looks a good sort. “I know there was talk at one time about him possibly being back for Punchestown, but at the moment we are not thinking about that. We’ll wait for next season.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.